Caterpillar 213
Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown
The Caterpillar 213 is a crawler excavator produced between 1985 and 2020. This machine belongs to the mid-size excavator class, featuring a 6-cylinder Perkins 6.354.4P engine delivering 76 kW (102 hp). Depending on the specific configuration, such as the 213 or 213 LC, operating weights range from approximately 16,250 kg (35,825 lb) to 17,300 kg (38,140 lb). The machine is offered with various boom and stick configurations, including one-piece and two-piece options, providing a wide range of digging depths and cutting heights.
Across its production lifespan, the 213 series maintained a consistent powertrain architecture while offering varied undercarriage and attachment setups to meet different jobsite requirements. The machine remains highly relevant in the used equipment market due to the availability of reliable Perkins engine components and the durability of its hydraulic systems. Its versatility in configurations makes it a staple for secondary market buyers seeking dependable performance for utility trenching and general excavation tasks.
Below: full specifications, fluids & capacities, the factory service schedule, common service parts, verified fault codes, what owners discuss, attachment guidance, the complete assembly directory, and a serial-number reference. Complete parts lists with full OEM part numbers, exploded diagrams, quantities, and fitment data are available free in Heavy Parts AI.
Caterpillar 213 specifications
Engine
| Model | 6.354.4P |
| Net Power | 76 kW (102 hp) |
| Displacement | 5,801 cc (354 cu in) |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
Weights
| Operating Weight | 35,825.2 lb (16,250 kg) for standard; 38,140 lb (17,300 kg) for LC configuration |
| Ground Pressure | 7.98 psi to 8 psi (varies by configuration) |
Dimensions
| Shipping Length | 8.28 m (27.17 ft) to 8.34 m (27.37 ft) |
| Shipping Height | 2.98 m (9.78 ft) to 3.08 m (10.11 ft) |
| Width to Outside of Tracks | 2.4 m (7.87 ft) to 2.58 m (8.47 ft) |
| Tail Swing Radius | 7.55 ft (2.3 m) |
| Track Shoe Width | 19.69 in (500 mm) |
| Ground Clearance | 1.41 ft (0.43 m) to 1.47 ft (0.45 m) |
| Undercarriage Length | 8.54 ft (2.6 m) to 11.08 ft (3.38 m) |
| Height to Top of Cab | 9.67 ft (2.95 m) to 9.72 ft (2.96 m) |
Performance
| Max Digging Depth | 6.0 m (19.69 ft) to 4.61 m (15.13 ft) |
| Max Reach at Ground | 9.15 m (30.02 ft) to 8.0 m (26.25 ft) |
| Max Cutting Height | 8.89 m (29.17 ft) to 7.19 m (23.59 ft) |
| Max Loading Height | 17.39 ft (5.3 m) to 20.94 ft (6.38 m) |
| Swing Speed | 9.8 rpm |
| Max Travel Speed | 1.74 mph (2.8 km/h) to 2 mph (3.2 km/h) |
| Drawbar Pull | 14,500.18 lb (6,577 kg) |
| Hydraulic Pump Flow Capacity | 45 gpm (170 lpm) |
Forces
| Hydraulic System Relief Valve Pressure | 4351.2 psi |
Service capacities (summary)
| Fuel Tank | 200 l (52.9 gal) |
| Hydraulic System Tank | 320 l (84.6 gal) to 322 l (85 gal) |
| Engine Oil | 19 l (5 gal) to 18 l (4.7 gal) |
| Cooling System | 30 l (8 gal) |
| Swing Drive Fluid | 7.6 l (2 gal) to 8 l (2.2 gal) |
Values vary by configuration, region, and serial range — confirm against your machine before planning transport or lifts.
213 fluids & capacities
| System | Capacity | Recommended fluid |
|---|---|---|
| Engine crankcase (with filter) | 17.79 L (4.7 gal) to 18.93 L (5 gal) | Cat DEO (SAE 15W-40, SAE 10W-30); Cat DEO-ULS (SAE 15W-40, 10W-30) for ECF-3/API CJ-4; Cat DEO-ULS Cold Weather (SAE 0W-40) |
| Cooling system | 30.28 L (8 gal) to 31.04 L (8.2 gal) | Cat ELC (50/50 Premix); Cat DEAC (Concentrate) |
| Fuel tank | 199.89 L (52.9 gal) to 204.44 L (54 gal) | |
| Hydraulic system total AND hydraulic tank | 320.22 L (84.6 gal) to 320.22 L (84.6 gal) | Cat HYDO Advanced 10; Cat HYDO Advanced 30 (for hot climates) |
| Final drive (each) | Cat TDTO (SAE 10W, SAE 30, SAE 50); Cat TDTO-TMS (Synthetic Blend); Cat FDAO (SAE 60) | |
| Swing drive | 7.57 L (2 gal) to 8.33 L (2.2 gal) | |
| Grease (spec only) | Cat Multipurpose Grease; Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease |
Capacities are refill values from factory literature — always fill to the dipstick/sight gauge, not the number.
Caterpillar 213 maintenance schedule
| Service interval | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Every 10 h |
|
| Every 250 h |
|
| Every 500 h |
|
| Every 1,000 h |
|
| Every 2,000 h |
|
Servicing the 213 beyond the schedule
Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis
Utilize S.O.S fluid analysis to monitor the health of the 6.354.4P engine and hydraulic systems. Regularly sample engine oil for wear metals like iron or copper, and check hydraulic fluid for particle counts and oxidation. Monitoring coolant pH and SCA levels prevents internal liner pitting. These proactive checks identify contamination or component degradation before they lead to catastrophic pump or engine failure.
Corrective & Common Repairs
Common repair focus areas include hydraulic hose replacement due to abrasion or cracks and addressing leaks at boom/stick pins and bushings. Monitor the fuel/water separator for frequent clogging, which may indicate fuel quality issues. If hydraulic relief valve pressure deviates from 4351.2 psi, inspect the system for valve wear or contamination. Ensure all battery terminals are clean to prevent electrical voltage fluctuations.
Overhaul & Rebuild Points
Major overhaul milestones include a full hydraulic oil change and coolant flush at 2,000 hours. During comprehensive structural inspections, evaluate boom and stick welds for fatigue. Monitor final drive and swing drive oil levels; significant wear may necessitate gear or bushing replacement. For high-hour units, evaluate the turbocharger and engine components for rebuild requirements to restore factory-spec net power of 102 hp.
Seasonal & Environment Servicing
In dusty or quarry environments, increase air filter inspections daily and clean radiator/oil cooler fins frequently. In high-dust areas, consider shortening the primary air filter replacement interval from 1,000 to 500 hours. For machines operating in extreme temperatures, verify coolant integrity and ensure the cooling system can manage heat loads. Always check track tension and shoe condition after heavy use in abrasive terrain.
213 fault codes & troubleshooting
| Code | Meaning | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| E360 | Engine Coolant Temperature — High | Low coolant level, failed thermostat, or water pump issue | Diagnose cooling system; do not operate until resolved |
| E361 | Engine Coolant Temperature — Very High (Shutdown) | Severe cooling system failure | Engine shutdown required; perform full cooling system diagnosis |
| 110-0 | Engine Coolant Temp — Above Normal | Low coolant level or thermostat failure | Inspect cooling system, refill coolant, and test thermostat |
| 110-3 | Engine Coolant Temp Sensor — Voltage High | Open circuit or sensor failure | Check wiring and replace sensor if confirmed faulty |
| 174-3 | Engine Fuel Temperature — Voltage Above Normal | Open circuit in sensor wiring | Inspect harness and replace sensor if necessary |
| 190-8 | Engine Speed — Abnormal Frequency | Speed sensor air gap, sensor failure, or tone ring damage | Check sensor gap and test speed sensor and tone ring |
| 2458-2 | DPF #1 Differential Pressure — Erratic | Plugged pressure ports or failing sensor | Clean pressure ports and test sensor; verify DPF soot load |
| 41-3 | 8-Volt DC Supply — Voltage Above Normal | Short to power on 8V reference circuit | Inspect sensors sharing the 8V supply and isolate fault |
| 41-4 | 8-Volt DC Supply — Voltage Below Normal | Short to ground on 8V reference circuit | Disconnect sensors one at a time to locate short |
| 2348-9 | SAE J1939 Data Link #2 — Abnormal Update Rate | CAN bus wiring damage or termination fault | Check CAN wiring and measure termination resistance |
Codes and remedies are general guidance for this model family — always confirm with diagnostic tooling and your dealer before major repairs.
213 attachments & work tools
Buckets
Capacity ranges from 0.4 yd³ (0.3 m³) to 1.2 yd³ (0.9 m³). Widths vary by configuration, with one source noting a 1.41 m (4.6 ft) bucket width.
Hydraulic hammers
Not explicitly documented for this exact model range; verify hammer weight class with dealer.
Quick couplers
Pin grabber style S Type couplers are used to ensure exchangeability and a tight fit across platforms.
Thumbs/grapples
Available for increasing machine versatility during jobsite applications.
Rippers
Compatible as an attachment option for various excavation tasks.
Hydraulic-kit notes
Machine features a variable flow hydraulic system with a pump capacity of 45 gpm (170 lpm) and relief valve pressure of 4351.2 psi.
All 213 assemblies by section
Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar 213. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.
Engine
7c2801 Compressor Gp-Air
| 7C***01 | Air Compressor Group; Compressor Gp-Air | 1 |
7w4530 Alternator Gp
| 7W***30 | Alternator Group-Charging | 1 |
7w4504 Camshaft Gp
| 7W***04 | Camshaft Group | 1 |
5w7913 Compressor As-Air
| 5W***13 | Compressor As | 1 |
7w4508 Cover Gp-Valve Mechanism
| 7W***08 | Cover Group-Valve Mechanism; Cover Group-Valve Mechanism | 1 |
7c8943 Crankshaft Gp
| 7C***43 | Crankshaft Group | 1 |
7w4502 Crankshaft Gp
| 7W***02 | Crankshaft Group | 1 |
7w4501 Cylinder Block Gp
| 7W***01 | Cylinder Block Group | 1 |
7w4583 Cylinder Block Gp
| 7W***83 | Cylinder Block Group | 1 |
7c2803 Cylinder Head As
| 7C***03 | Cylinder Head Group | 1 |
7w4505 Cylinder Head Gp
| 7W***05 | Cylinder Head Group | 1 |
7w4600 Cylinder Head Gp
| 7W***00 | Cylinder Head Group | 1 |
7w4512 Drive Gp-Auxiliary
| 7W***12 | Drive Group-Auxiliary | 1 |
7w4500 Engine Ar-Primary
| 7C***43 | Crankshaft Group | 1 |
| 7C***45 | Lines Group-Fuel Injection | 1 |
| 7W***41 | Flywheel Group; Flywheel Group | 1 |
7c2800 Engine Ar-Primary
| 7C***00 | Engine Ar-Primary | 1 |
| 7C***01 | Air Compressor Group; Compressor Gp-Air | 1 |
| 7W***41 | Flywheel Group; Flywheel Group | 1 |
7w5645 Filler Gp-Engine Oil
| 7W***45 | Filler Group-Oil | 1 |
7w4518 Filter Gp-Engine Oil
| 7W***18 | Filter Group-Engine Oil | 1 |
7w4529 Filter Gp-Fuel
| 7W***29 | Filter Group-Fuel; Fuel Filter Group | 1 |
7w1141 Flywheel Gp
| 7W***41 | Flywheel Group; Flywheel Group | 1 |
7w4523 Disposal Gp-Fumes
| 7W***23 | Fumes Disposal Group; Fumes Disposal Group | 1 |
7w4516 Gauge Gp-Oil
| 7W***16 | Gauge Group-Oil Level (Dipstick) | 1 |
7w4510 Gear Gp-Front Idler
| 7W***10 | Gear Group-Front Idler; Gear Group-Front Idler | 1 |
7w4513 Housing Gp-Flywheel
| 7W***13 | Housing Group-Flywheel; Housing Group-Flywheel | 1 |
7w4509 Housing Gp-Front
| 7W***09 | Housing Group-Front; Housing Group-Front | 1 |
7c1685 Instrument Gp
| 7C***85 | Instrument Group | 1 |
7w4507 Lifting Gp
| 7W***07 | Lifting Group | 1 |
7w4517 Lines Gp-Engine Oil
| 7W***17 | Lines Group-Engine Oil | 1 |
7w4527 Lines Gp-Fuel Filter
| 7W***27 | Lines Group-Fuel Filter; Fuel Filter Lines Group | 1 |
7c8945 Lines Gp-Fuel Injection
| 7C***45 | Lines Group-Fuel Injection | 1 |
7w4526 Lines Gp-Fuel Injection
| 7W***26 | Lines Group-Fuel Injection | 1 |
7w4520 Lines Gp-Water
| 7W***20 | Lines Group-Water; Lines Group-Water | 1 |
7w4522 Manifold Gp-Exhaust
| 7W***22 | Manifold Group-Exhaust | 1 |
7w4524 Manifold Gp-Inlet
| 7W***24 | Manifold Group-Inlet; Manifold Group-Inlet | 1 |
7w4534 Mounting Gp-Engine
| 7W***34 | Mounting Group-Engine; Engine Mounting Group | 1 |
7w7183 Mounting Gp-Fan
| 7W***83 | Mounting Group-Fan | 1 |
7w4515 Pan Gp-Oil
| 7W***15 | Pan Group-Oil; Oil Pan Group | 1 |
7w4503 Rod & Piston Gp
| 7W***03 | Piston & Rod Group; Rod & Piston Gp | 1 |
7w4511 Pulley Gp-Crankshaft
| 7W***11 | Pulley Group-Crankshaft | 1 |
7w4519 Pump Gp-Engine Oil
| 7W***19 | Pump Group-Engine Oil | 1 |
7w4528 Pump Gp-Fuel
| 7W***28 | Pump Group-Fuel; Pump Group-Fuel | 1 |
7w4525 Pump Gp-Fuel Injection
| 7W***25 | Pump Group-Fuel Injection | 1 |
7w4521 Pump Gp-Water
| 7W***21 | Pump Group-Water | 1 |
7w4531 Aid Gp-Starting
| 7W***31 | Starting Aid Group; Aid Gp-Starting | 1 |
7w4532 Motor Gp-Electric Starting
| 7W***32 | Starting Motor Group-Electric; Motor Gp-Electric Starting | 1 |
7w4506 Valve Mechanism Gp
| 7W***06 | Valve-Mechanism Group; Valve Mechanism Group | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
What engine is used in the Caterpillar 213?
The Caterpillar 213 is powered by a Perkins 6.354.4P engine, which is a naturally aspirated 6-cylinder design with a displacement of 5,801 cc (354 cu in).
What is the operating weight of this machine?
The operating weight varies by configuration: the standard 213 is approximately 35,825.2 lb (16,250 kg), while the 213 LC variant can weigh up to 38,140 lb (17,300 kg).
What model replaced the Caterpillar 213?
The provided documentation does not specify a direct successor model for the 213; however, it lists the Caterpillar 215 as a related machine in the excavator lineup.
What 213 owners discuss
What engine is used in the Caterpillar 213, and what are its primary specifications?
What are the common hydraulic system concerns for this machine?
What maintenance should be performed regarding engine fluids?
What undercarriage and movement specifications should be noted?
What electrical or sensor issues are common in Caterpillar excavators?
What should be checked when inspecting a used Caterpillar 213?
Compiled from owner and technician discussions across the industry — experiences vary by serial range and machine history.
Need a specific 213 part?
Search live OEM part data, check fitment, and cross-reference alternatives with Heavy Parts AI.